G'Day guys,
I'm starting to get into BIF shots. I have a 40D with a 500 f/4.5 on a Wimberly head, my question relates to focus points.
When shooting static birds i use one AF point only, usually the centre point, however with BIF shots is it better to select all 9 points to get a better spread across the shot and improve my chances of a sharp shot??

I know BIF takes alot of practice to perfect, but it helps to have the right set up in the first place.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers,

I use * button for AF, center point, Servo, AV, and bump up ISO to maintain fast shutter speed
(min. 1/1000th sec) in your case. The 40D does pretty well keepin' up and recovers
quickly if focus is lost during a burst. Practice on anything moving, it's all about timing and keeping on target. Have fun!

Good day!

Using all points is OK if you are shooting against a uniform background like clear sky, but if there is background detail, it will usually steal the focus from the subject when you pan across it. Most use single point AF for BIF.

- Gene

Cool,
Thanks guys, i'll keep practising with the centre point.

Cheers,

And the trick is to practice enough to keep the center point on the bird.
Ron
And if that's not hard enough for you, try it from a kayak....